4 NJ Schools Close Because Of Flu Outbreak

A New Jersey district has closed because of the flu outbreak and gastrointestinal illnesses that have impacted four schools.

The Clinton Township School district said it is experiencing a "large number of student absences due to respiratory/flu and gastrointestinal illnesses."

"We have been in discussions with our district physician, the county offices and the Department of Health," the district said on its website. "We feel that this step is in the best interest of our students."

The schools may not be the only ones to shut down this winter because of a widespread flu outbreak that has impacted New Jersey. Possible snow could also impact school districts this week.

Read more: New Jersey School Closings/Delays List

The district's schools, which will close on Monday and Tuesday, are Spruce Run Elementary School, Patrick McGaheran School, Round Valley School and Clinton Township Middle School.

New Jersey's flu scare just had its worst weeks this season as health officials warn that the disease has become deadly, claiming its first victim in the state.

New Jersey has seen its "rapid-test" flu cases nearly double since the end of 2018, according to state Department of Health statistics. The state also may have had among its highest numbers of emergency department visits in three years.

"Rapid-test" identifies the form of quick tests that the state uses as part of its weekly survey of the flu's impact on New Jersey.

New Jersey also remains one of nine states to report having "high" activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health.

A dangerous strain that was behind a 2009 pandemic has re-emerged in a big way in New Jersey, according to the state Department of Health.

The state DOH, meanwhile, has reported that a child has died because of the flu, the first fatality caused by the illness in New Jersey this season, state officials say. The child, from the central region of the state, died in late December. Citing medical privacy, the department said it will not be releasing additional information.

Read more: NJ Flu's Worst Weeks Yet: Who's At Risk?

With the schools closed, Clinton Township officials say they have also taken the step to "disinfect all schools and need the time to make sure the process is complete."

"We apologize to our students and families if this causes any inconvenience, but the health of our students is our number priority," the district said.

CDC photo of H1N1